Submitted by Philip Storry on
21 years old, distilled 23rd April 1996, 59.0% abv, Refill Ex-Sherry Hogshead, 180 bottles, dram price D
The nose is lovely, light and fruity - apricots, blood oranges, peaches, and hints of lemon. The mouthfeel is thin with no cling. The body is lighter yet - lychee and apricots with cinnamon and a hint of lemon. The finish is cinnamon and apricot.
Water brings out thick whorling that spreads rapidly and settles quickly into lingering mottling. The nose gains slight wood notes - perhaps sandalwood? - and toffee. The body gains more of the cinnamon and loses a little of the apricot. The finish gains cinnamon.
4/5 - I much preferred it without water.